What is the green car icon in Chevy Equinox?

The green car icon in the Chevy Equinox is the eco or fuel-efficiency indicator. It signals when Eco mode is active or when your driving is achieving efficient fuel economy, as shown on the vehicle’s driver information display.

In practice, this icon appears on the instrument cluster or center display, and its presence is intended to guide drivers toward smoother, more economical driving. The exact design and terminology can vary by model year and trim, but its purpose remains consistent: highlight efficient operation rather than indicate a fault.

What the icon indicates

The icon serves as a visual cue related to fuel efficiency and driving habits rather than a fault or warning. It is designed to encourage economical driving and to reflect real-time or recent fuel-economy data from the vehicle’s systems.

Where you’ll see it

In most Equinox models, the green car icon appears in the Driver Information Center on the instrument cluster or on the central touchscreen when Eco mode is active or when the vehicle is operating within efficient parameters. It may appear as a green silhouette of a car and might be accompanied by a leaf or the word ECO, depending on the year and trim.

What triggers the icon

The following conditions commonly trigger the green car icon on the Equinox’s display:

• Eco mode or Eco Drive Mode is selected via the Drive Mode or eco control.


• The vehicle is being operated with a light throttle input, steady speed, and gentle acceleration, keeping fuel use in a low range.


• The Driver Information Center is actively tracking real-time or recent MPG data and recognizes efficient operation, prompting the green icon to appear.

In practice, you’ll notice the icon during economical driving and it may disappear when you switch to Sport or Normal modes or apply harder acceleration.

How to optimize eco-driving to keep the icon visible

To maximize the chance that the green icon stays visible and to improve overall fuel economy, consider the following guidelines:

• Use Eco Mode or Drive Mode as available in your model to prioritize fuel efficiency.


• Accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and maintain smooth throttle input to minimize fuel consumption.


• Keep tires properly inflated and perform regular maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, oil changes) to maintain engine efficiency.


• On appropriate highway sections, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed and reduce fuel use.


• Reduce unnecessary weight and roof load, which can negatively affect fuel economy.

By following these practices, you align your driving with the conditions that trigger the green eco icon, making it a more consistent companion on trips aimed at efficiency.

Common questions about the icon

Is the green car icon the same as a warning light?

No. The green car icon is not a fault indicator. Warnings such as check engine, low oil, or brake warnings use different symbols and colors. If you see a conventional warning light, consult the owner’s manual or contact a dealership.

Does the icon appear on all Chevy Equinox years and trims?

Most recent model years feature an Eco or fuel-efficiency indicator, but the exact appearance, wording, and availability can vary by year, trim, and software updates. If you’re unsure what your display shows, refer to the owner’s manual or check your instrument cluster/click-through menus in the infotainment system.

Summary

The green car icon in the Chevy Equinox is a fuel-efficiency indicator tied to Eco mode and efficient driving. It serves as a cue to drive in a more economical manner and reflects real-time or recent MPG data on the vehicle’s driver information display. While its exact design may vary by year and trim, the core message remains the same: maximize efficiency through smooth, restrained driving and proper vehicle maintenance.

What is the green car between lines on the dashboard?

When a left or right lane line is detected and you are traveling forward above the system's operating speed, a green Lane Keep Assist icon is displayed. The icon will look like either a vehicle with lines on either side or two lane lines, depending on your vehicle.

What is the green car symbol on my Chevy dashboard?

A green car symbol on a Chevy dashboard most commonly indicates that Forward Collision Alert is detecting a vehicle ahead and that Lane Keep Assist is active. It can also mean the car is in "ready" mode if it's an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. 
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 

• Green Light: The system is active and monitoring the lane lines.
• Orange/Yellow Light: The system has detected you are drifting out of your lane without using your turn signal. 

Forward Collision Alert (FCA) 

• Green Light: The system detects a vehicle ahead of you.
• Orange/Yellow Light: You are following the vehicle ahead too closely and are at risk of a collision. 

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrids

• Green Light: The vehicle is "started" and ready to drive, similar to how a gas engine would be running. 

Other Possibilities

• Automatic Vehicle Hold: On some newer EVs, a green light can signify that the Automatic Vehicle Hold system is actively holding the vehicle in place, which is useful in stop-and-go traffic. 
• Cruise Control: After you set a speed, the cruise control light will turn green to indicate it is actively maintaining that speed. 
• Stability Control: In some cases, a green light may appear alongside a red light and indicate a fault with the stability or traction control system, often related to rear suspension issues. 

What does a green car represent?

A green car symbol on your dashboard generally means a safety or driving assistance system is active and working correctly, such as the lane departure warning or forward collision alert system. It indicates a system is engaged and the vehicle is operating as expected, and is not a warning light for a problem. 
Examples of green car symbols and their meanings

• Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning: The green symbol shows that the system is active and monitoring lane markings. If the symbol turns orange and flashes, it means you are drifting out of your lane without using your turn signal. 
• Forward Collision Alert: The green light means the system detects a vehicle ahead and is active. The symbol may turn yellow if you are following the vehicle too closely. 
• Adaptive Cruise Control: A green light can signify that the adaptive cruise control is active and set at a specific speed. 
• Cruise Control: A green light often indicates that the cruise control is activated and a speed has been set. 
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): If the symbol appears in green, it means the AEB system is active and ready to assist. It will be disabled if you have turned off this feature in your settings. 
• Low-Beam Headlights: A green symbol that resembles a headlight with a line pointing down indicates the low-beam headlights are on. 

What to do

• Check your owner's manual: Since the specific meaning can vary between car manufacturers and models, always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate information. 
• Look for color changes: Pay attention to any changes in the color of the symbol. Green indicates normal operation, while yellow or orange usually means a caution or an issue that may need your attention. 

What does it mean when the green car light comes on?

Green Light: Indicates that the Auto Start- Stop system is currently active, meaning the engine has been temporarily shut off to save fuel and reduce emissions. When this symbol is illuminated in orange, it typically means that the Auto Start-Stop system is either active or ready to activate.